On July 19, 2023, the Delaware Court of Chancery announced that the "Master in Chancery" title will become "Magistrate in Chancery,” effective August 15, 2023.  Judicial officers appointed to this position adjudicate cases assigned to them by the Court and traditionally have heard matters in the areas of trusts and estates, guardianships, property disputes, and inspection of corporate books and records.
The title "Master in Chancery" refers to a person who rules on matters sounding in equity; it originates from the High Court of Chancery of Great Britain, on which the Delaware Court of Chancery was modeled.
Even so, the term “Master” is widely recognized as problematic for its connections to slavery.  This change modernizes the original title and aligns with the Court's ongoing efforts to expand the role and function of this position.
Additional information on the Delaware Court of Chancery’s English roots is available at https://courts.delaware.gov/chancery/history.aspx.